La Bella 2017 : Stage 22 Castel del Piano

Sing us a song Castel del Piano Man, sing us a song tonight well, were all in the mood for a bike ride and you've got us feeling alright...

There is a narrow steep lane off to the side of the piazza where we had some refreshments last night to watch the sunset, so I took the boys via the piazza, as we were leaving for the days ride the next morning The view was stunning looking deep into the heart of Tuscany and where we were heading

Piazza del Piano

Below is the view from the lane, as usual towns like Seggiano are built on a hill top, but first you have to descend.

Yesterday Garry took a detour with David (Flying Doctor Fame) and rode up Mt Amiata which is an extinct volcano rising to 1490 mtr, as if the short distance of 76 klm was not enough for Garry & Co. No chance of an eruption as the last one was 300,000 yrs ago.

Mount Amiata was visible for most of the ride towards Siena. Just a reminder to Garry how hard the ride was. Great riding boys.

Seggiano

Riding through this beautiful region of Italy we passed through wonderful fields of barley and wheat, magnificent Tuscany Homes with pencil pines lining the driveways. I could not help but call to mind The Gladiator scene as Russell Crowe was running his hands through the barley fields, roads lined with pencil pines as he returned to his family which had been murdered.

The Fastigiate Mediterranean Cypress is straight out of classical antiquity, it is a symbol of mourning I have learned. No wonder you always see them around cemeteries, also comes in handy for making wreaths.

Italian Pencil Pine

Montalcino

San Giovanni d'Asso

Could not resist stopping here in Montalcino, right there on the corner store for an ice cold coke. Face Time home explaining how tuff things are on the road in the heat and blue skies.

This is one of Italy's most important grape-growing areas which produce Brunello wine. Great views over the Asso valley from the refreshment stop and the direction we are riding too. Past history it was famous for it's leather goods. Elevation is 560 mtr with a pop of 5000 and the walls date to 13th century. The landscape around here has been added to UNESCO World Heritage as the landscape reflects today what was written and painted by Renaissance artists.

San Giovanni d'Asso is the next town we pass through

a small commune that is overlooked by a large castle.

Truffles which are a fungal fruiting plant and sell for thousands are found in this area.

Never tried them, the only truffles I've had are Cadbury's, much cheaper

Lunch stop at Chiusure at the 54 klm mark, very nice, overlooking beautiful countryside, as always Ype & Dino put on a great spread.

Great effort from Peter who arrived before us, time to push out the zzzzzzzzzz during lunch stop.

We saw a number of organised riding tours in this region due to the rolling hills in this area with plenty of sharp pinches to test the legs.

We exchanged stories and experiences with one of the tours in this area. Still not as good as Bike Dreams. I think they were a little envious of our lunch spread.

Time to move as we head towards Siena, not before we pass through Asciano with it's 11th century Romanesque basilica.

Not long before the distinct Mangia Tower becomes visible. Pull into campsite mid afternoon after 91 klm of gentle riding. Approx 5 klm from Siena centre, large groups head into town by bus and taxi, we take the bus. Arriving by bus gives no hint of the medieval jewel that is hidden behind what appears to be a normal Italian country town.

Piazza Salembeni

Mangia Tower & The Piazza del Campo

Old Streets of Siena

The Palio di Siena is a traditional medieval horse race run around the Piazza del Campo twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August. The event is attended by huge crowds. Seventeen Contrade (which are city neighbourhoods originally formed as battalions for the city's defence) vie for the trophy: a painted banner, or Palio bearing an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Famous Palio di Siena Race

The town of Siena was humming, bands, music and groups dressed in medieval costumes. For good reason, tonight was a special one. As there are 17 Contrades only 10 can be selected for the race, and tonight was the selection of the final 10 riders.

Little Drummer Boy

Part of the many colourful costumes that were visible throughout the town, the sounds of the marching bands was spine tingling.

Another superb sight in Siena is the Cathedral, wow very different. Begun in the 12th century it is a beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

Come they told me, Pa rum pum pum pum

me and my drum